Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Jim here - we are getting our first look at Disney's G-FORCE by way of a trailer! And it does look very appealing.

I was recently talking with Rob Engle who is responsible for composition and final delivery of the Jerry Bruckheimer and Disney made G-FORCE. Rob said "It is a live action visual effects project (digital effects being added to plate photography). The plates were shot in 2-D using traditional techniques. The plates are being "converted" to 3-D while the digital effects are being rerendered for the other eye."

So G-FORCE is part 2D to 3D conversion and part CG. Very interesting technical project to say the least.

The storyline is of course going to appeal to kids and families and looks like a traditional and entertaining Disney movie. I have to admit I chucked a few times throughout this trailer and can tell that I will enjoy this one!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Jim here. Got some GREAT news for all you Thomas Jane fans out there - he is close to finishing up his much anticipated first 3D movie THE DARK COUNTRY and has signed on for at least a year of a new HBO series called HUNG. Further his GIVE 'EM HELL MALONE is wrapping as well!

So what could top all of that off? How about fighting Satan's army in the middle of WWII?Yes! He and a group of commandos are on a rescue mission during the Second World War and literally ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE and they of course must defeat them somehow. And it is written by Todd Farmar - love this guy's work!

Thomas will be acting and directing this one in 3D - just as he did for THE DARK COUNTRY. Busy man! This project reminds me of those old comics of my childhood - WEIRD WAR...

Monday, December 29, 2008

And what a year it will be.We have seasoned directors with mega budgets all the way to new directors with limited resources but tons of talent. What's the common thread among them? 3D. Mark my words - like I have said all along - 2009 is the year 3D earns much deserved RESPECT. Respect from studios/theaters for the added revenue that it brings in; from audiences for the massive step forward toward total immersion in movies; and from the media who still have members clinging desperately to bygone eras, claiming 3D is a gimmick and nothing but a fad. You are about to be assimulated.

Moreover, audiences will begin to see the creativity of the people involved in stereoscopic 3D movies start to explode with freshness that hasn't been seen in Hollywood since, well probably THE MATRIX. Directors will challenge themselves with 3D projects. Actors will be chomping at the bit to get their mugs up on the silver screen in full three dimensions. The teams behind the scenes will work harder, share more and reach out to learn more about 3D - because there is definitely plenty of opportunity in the 3D business nowadays!

We couldn't have even had this list a year ago - there wasn't enough projects on the go for 2008. That is no longer an issue obviously with the fine slate available to us for 2009...

So it is with a great deal of excitement that I present the Top Ten Most Anticipated 3D Movies Of 2009:

1. AVATAR (James Cameron) (Fox) - December 18There can be NO doubt this is the most looked forward to 3D movie of 2009. Heck of ANY movie. I am placing this above STAR TREK, X-MEN ORIGINS: WOLVERINE and TERMINATOR: SALVATION on my own personal catch all list (includes 2D movies obviously) - so you know you better damn well see this movie. AVATAR is a movie of epic proportions set partially on the planet Pandora and starring their indigenous creatures the Na'vi. It seems that these creatures are able to allow humans to combine with them in some fashion (no spoilers here!) and tells the tale of environmentalism and survival. Sam Worthington leads a stellar cast. What a stunning Sci-Fi line up for next year! You really should not need convincing. Cameron is proven. He is one of the top, if not the best in the genre (Aliens, Terminator). He has a mega budget - and he delivers on them (Titanic). The man simply connects to his audiences and is a perfectionist - Did I say that he also invented the damn 3D cameras he is using too? Yes he did. Look for records to fall with this one.

2. MONSTERS VS. ALIENS (Dreamworks Animation) - March 27With all the evangelism that Jeffrey Katzenberg has been doing for the 3D industry this movie had better be good. And it LOOKS good, given the trailers I have seen. MvsA centers on an invasion of aliens intent on evil when mankind calls on their only viable option: Monsters. The movie is a homage to middle 20th century monsters movies. The premise is delicious. Can they pull it off? Well they are definitely approaching 3D the right way - total commitment. All future tentpoles from DWA will be in stereoscopic 3D and by stating that up front, they are pulling the trigger to develop cutting edge systems to develop in the medium. They have some great talents behind the systems too and I believe they will be the studio to watch in coming years. Some great talent voicing the creatures too like SETH ROGEN and REESE WITHERSPOON.

3. DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Robert Zemeckis) (Disney) - November 6Zemeckis has had ample time to work on any motion capture issues he may have had while working on BEOWULF and this time around we are going to see some stunning effects. Add in Jim Carrey and Gary Oldman, probably the most beloved Christmas story of all time and 3D and it makes for a heckuva presentation. Disney has commited to only producing 3D movies for their animated tentpoles from now on as well. Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH). But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late. Carrey plays SEVEN roles btw!

4. CORALINE (Henry Selick) (Focus Features) - February 6This could be the sleeper hit of 2009. We all know Selick's work from A NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS and many have seen the intricate behind the scenes detail that his team is putting into this stop action 3D movie. How well will it perform? Obviously Neil Gaiman (author) has a huge following to begin with and the younger crowd will be enchanted by the story but can it have broad appeal? I say it will. This should be a visual stunner. The movie is about a young girl (voiced by DAKOTA FANNING) who discovers an alternate reality where things are not quite right. A grand adventure!

5. ICE AGE: DAWN OF THE DINOSAURS (Fox) - July 1I am the first to admit that I hate RAY ROMANO as an actor. Really hate him. But his voice is somewhat appealing and thankfully that is what has been injected into this film. The ICE AGE franchise is proven and with the addition of 3D, the box office for this flick should be somewhere north of spectacular. And the trailers are absolutely entertaining.

6. UP (Pixar) - May 29You guys know what Pixar is capable of in 2D. Well now they are directing their tablet styluses toward an all 3D lineup of movies from now on. Have you seen the trailer yet (only in 2D mind you!). UP is a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 9-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. The only reason I am putting Up in sixth and not fifth is that ICE AGE is proven. I could very well enjoy UP much better - we shall see!

7. MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3-D (Patrick Lussier) (Lionsgate) - January 16thThe first offering of 2009 has had some great reviews already from some super advance screenings. AND it is rated R. Why? Here is the MPAA's reasoning: Rated R for graphic brutal horror violence and grisly images throughout, some strong sexuality, graphic nudity and language. Tom (Jensen Ackles) returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's night massacre that claimed the lives of 22 people. Instead of a homecoming, however, Tom finds himself suspected of committing the murders, and it seems like his old flame (Jaime King) is the only one will believes he's innocent. Definitely checking this one out ASAP.

8. FINAL DESTINATION: DEATH TRIP 3D (David R. Ellis) (New Line) - August 21The second 3D horror movie of the year of note is from the FINAL DESTINATION franchise and is bound to do well as have the predecessors. Inject some 3D and you should have a refreshed approached to a formula that works. I am looking forward to seeing this one because 3D offers directors so many more creative choices. Should be great. Synopsis: After a teen's premonition of a deadly race-car crash helps saves the lives of his peers, Death sets out to collect those who evaded their end.

9. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (Sony Pictures Imageworks Animation) - September 18I have elected to place CWCM ahead of Disney's G-FORCE because I think the potential is larger for a bigger hit and I am giving the storyline a lot of credit here. Sure, Disney has a little more experience with 3D but I am giving Sony a nod here. Food pours down from above just when the a town called Chewandswallow needs it most - however it soon overwhelms everyone. The movie will be in the style of BEOWULF (motion capture).**Update from Rob Engle of Sony: CLOUDY is 100% keyframe animated - no motion capture. Speaking with Rob has only reinforced my enthusiasm for this movie - sounds awesome.

10.G-FORCE (Disney) - July 24Could have been higher, but I went with CWCM instead based on storyline and method of animation. Kids will love this one though - An elite guinea pig commando force try to stop a billionaire from taking over the world? Pure mayhem. **Update from Rob Engle at Sony:"G-FORCE is the first hybrid stereoscopic production... part 2-D to 3-D conversion, part CG. All the plate photography was shot in 2-D on film." Interesting to see another 2D->3D conversion project on the go.Honorable Mentions:CONVERSIONS! TOY STORY, DAWN OF THE DEAD and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Romero - colorized) are being converted from 2D to 3D and I am itching to see both of them again! These will obviously do well from their following and indeed sprout new fans with these releases. I have not included conversions on this list, but if readers say so, I will going forth! Note that G-FORCE is a conversion project, but it is an original effort and not a re-release of a 2D movie.

PIRANHA 3D: Let me just say that if Alexandre Aja's PIRANHA 3D makes it out in 2009 - it will definitely move up in my list! But, it looks like it will be more likely a 2010 release as production was pushed back until spring of 2009 from the fall of 2008. I am a huge Aja fan and REALLY looking forward to this 3D effort from him.

JONAS BROTHERS CONCERT: Oh yeah - the 'tweens will love it and it will probably do as well as Hannah Montana's did this year - sorry it didn't crack the top 10 though!

There are a few 3D movies slated for 2009 without release dates yet - like THE DARK COUNTRY and HORRORWEEN so I could not include them in case they do not get the distribution they want in time for 2009. Both of these examples are definitely on my list to see.

So what do you think? I want to hear your opinions on what will kick some 3D butt in 2009! How do you think the big 2D movies will stack up against the behemoth AVATAR? Personally, I think Cameron and crew will at least double them up - but I am a wee bit biased...

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Michael here. This is awesome - Fox has begun their AVATAR publicity campaign with a first look at James Cameron and Sam Worthington (as Jake Sully) on the Avatar set in New Zealand!

The set looks to be an air/space craft, maybe a personnel transport or drop ship. Whatever it is, the detail and utilitarian design is great. It's also not entirely clear whether Worthington is in full costume, but from what I can see in this pic and from what I've seen of him in Terminator: Salvation, he's gonna nail this role.

And check out Cameron's Battle Angel t-shirt! Maybe we will be seeing Battle Angel sooner than we may think? As we know from speaking to concept artist Mark Goerner, a ton of design work has already been completed. I'm a rabid fan of the original 9 graphic novels, so of course I'm dying to see insane cyborg action in 48 frames-per-second 3D.

Here is the LA Times' very aptly-stated comment accompanying this photo:

"The buzz surrounding James Cameron's big-budget return to science fiction has been nothing short of awe-inspiring. The film, a mix of CGI and live action using new techniques Cameron himself helped to develop, was shot with a special 3-D camera (also developed by Cameron). Mix that with the promise of large-scale, hard science fiction that hasn't been attempted much in the past few years, and you have a project that seems guaranteed to live up to the hype and expectations that are riding on it. The only question (and fear) is what is to become of the cinema geeks overwhelmed by the images that Cameron and his effects crew are putting in front of them. For those with weaker constitutions, we fear the worst."

I couldn't agree more. This photo is an awesome holiday present for the fans. I can't wait to see what Cameron and Fox show us next!

Editor's (Jim) note: Wow! I am thrilled that we are starting to see official promo material - and is that ever a hint or what? BATTLE ANGEL? There are plenty of sites jumping on the FORBIDDEN PLANET bandwagon for his next project, but I am sticking with THE DIVE or BATTLE ANGEL right now! That definitely looks like a jump seat to me between JC and SW - looks like a drop ship to me! :-)

Jim here. For all you Jonas Brothers fans out there (you know who you are) - here is the first SNEAK PEAK at what is in store for you on February 27th, 2009.

There are a few behind the scenes clips in the video - one of them, the brothers Jonas explain what they think about doing a 3D movie and what is in it. Nick Jonas says "The coolest thing about this movie is that it's just not the performances that you see. It's the stuff behind-the-scenes that really stood out to us."

And that is exactly how I feel about movies - especially concert movies. The more BTS clips the better - I can't get enough of them.

This is not a full fledged concert movie like U2 3D was, but rather it takes the audience with them on tour (the "Burning Up" tour - for their 3rd album "A Little Bit Longer") revealing some interesting "days in the life" of the boys.

There are cameos by Taylor Swift and Demi Lovato and also a look at them shooting a music video for "Love Is On Its Way".

By the way, PACE lent its equipment to the effort and so we should see a technically very competent final result! Looking forward to it seeing the 3D work. As are many 'tweens I am sure...

Monday, December 22, 2008

Jim here. Just had a great conversation with Greg Passmore of Passmore Lab in San Diego (2D to 3D conversion experts) and was I ever excited to hear about their latest project: Breathing 3D life into the 2D colorized version of George Romero's classic, NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD!

I don't know about you guys, but when I first saw this movie, it scared the living cr*p out of me! It is serious piece of work as I am sure most of you guys know. It also created permanent, distinct neural pathways within my brain that to this day still gets under my skin.Zombies. :-)

Here's the interview:

MarketSaw: Hi Greg - wow! NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD is one of my all time favorites! How did you come to the decision to convert NOLD to 3D?GP: I really love the film Jim. When I started talking about it around the office, much to my surprise, I found lots of other people here who also love the film. It just seemed like a natural. Legend has, by far, the best copy and colorization of the film. I pestered Legend for months to get them to agree to let us do it.

MarketSaw: What sort of distribution have you come up with for the movie?GP: Originally it was slated for VOD and 3D DVD. We have found some strong interest in European distribution and maybe even limited theatrical in the US. Ultimately however, the film is destined primarily for home entertainment.

MarketSaw: What challenges are you facing in the conversion?GP: The film was not exactly shot in 70mm film, so the challenges of 3D conversion bring with it the challenges of restoration and bump up. However, I want to preserve some of the raw, grainy look. That's it. The actual conversion is not an issue. Invite over your buddies, make some popcorn and enjoy it on your big 3D TV.

MarketSaw: What part of the movie do you think holds the most promise for a "wow - in your face" 3D zombie effect?GP: Ha ha. Zombie hordes and the cemetery scenes. I'm not to big on the gross stuff, but I'm sure some of that will give younger viewers a thrill.

MarketSaw: You also created the software for the conversion of NOTLD to color back in the day - any special software you create for this effort?GP: Yeah. We have been working with Legend for about 10 years. Barry, Legend's resident genius, had some complex ideas for efficient colorization. Our lab wrote all the colorization software for them and one of the many, many films they colorized was NOLD. We started out as a software house and still have a team of big gun software developers on staff. That helps us do these kind of odd applications which require proprietary and highly specific software.

MarketSaw: Passmore Lab has been active for quite some time now in 3D circles - have you noticed any notable evolution in recent years? Hardware, software? I know you use the RED cameras...GP: It is starting to feel real. For several years, I felt like 3D might be an insane thing to do. It is still the dumbest or smartest business thing anyone could do. Time will tell. However, I am feeling better about the direction of the industry. We have two groups involved in 3D; a live shoot team in San Diego and our conversion team spread over three countries. The live 3D shoot team was originally formed to create reference footage for testing the quality of the 3D conversions. It has since expanded to be more than that, but ultimately we are still a lab. As such, we have installed state of the art 3D microscopy gear (4k, uncompressed), autostereoscopic displays, a huge theater, built a custom 3D Red rig, developed and use underwater 3D rigs, and have installed lots and lots of computing power - all for testing and development of tools and techniques for 3D production. We are finicky about using the scientific method for metrics and validation. We don't want rigs you bump into alignment with an elbow or finger wiggle into place. We want precision instrumentation that is repeatable. For example, our 3D microscope rig has precision bearings, computer control and a 1 micron accuracy. We want to free the artists from the current home brew camera rigs, so they can focus on their art, not the clumsy gear made of bolts and screws from the local machine shop that typically makes replacement mirrors for obsolete cars. We want biotech quality, not automobile shop quality.

MarketSaw: I am impressed with your Lab expansions! Must be like a wonderland in there for 3D fanatics! Which leads me to my next question: Tim Burton is shooting ALICE IN WONDERLAND in 2D and then converting to 3D. James Cameron has attacked that approach - what do you think of that debate?GP: Shooting 3D is great when you want reality. I don't want to just see realistic films. Conversion allows you to control 3D showing something other than reality; your dreams, your nightmares. I want to see things that do not exist in the real world. Color cameras shoot the sky as blue... I might not want the sky to be blue. For storytelling, conversion is more flexible.

MarketSaw: That is a very interesting point that I had not yet heard. I can see the logic behind that. Any other upcoming projects you can tell us about?GP: We are converting the beloved Spike and Mike Animation Festival. There is a lot of crazy stuff there and we love converting cell animation to 3D. We are also converting a lot of stuff for the studios that they force me not to discuss. In live action, we are shooting a 3D film on the worlds most incredible caves. Totally, absolutely crazy caves. The world's deepest pits, biggest ice caves, underwater rivers, skeletons, paintings, sacrificial pits, and cave spiders, scorpions and bats galore. Fun project, but physically challenging. We are destroying a lot of gear for that film,. We have converted some crazy footage for Ripley's Believe it or Not. One piece has this guy who can pop his eyes out of his head - something in 3D I promise you will never forget.

MarketSaw: There are many die hard NOTLD fans out there who criticized the colorization of the movie - do you think the same will happen with 2D->3D?GP: Maybe. However, I think it adds a lot of value and most importantly, it is FUN. This film is not Casablanca. The best way to avoid criticism is to do nothing. Not an option with my personality.

MarketSaw: Will the conversion be 100% faithful, or will you be adding or enhancing anything?GP: 100% faithful to the film, but we have cut a new trailer that is more contemporary.

MarketSaw: Can't wait to see that trailer! Any other black and white classics you are thinking of converting? Personally, I would love to see more black and white converted to 3D - I think it works VERY well.GP: We have a list of a couple dozen B&W films in our queue. Some of them are obvious, like famous concerts, but we are also doing some not so obvious educational pieces to help engage students in important historical events. We are also converting some more recent art B&W films. These include live action, cell animation, even pencil drawings. The pencil drawing animations are really cool.

MarketSaw: How long does it take you to complete any given conversion project Greg?GP: All the usual disclaimers about difficult content and difficult customers, but about 6-8 weeks for a feature.

I want to thank Greg for all the insightful comments and for taking on a dream project of mine - and I didn't even have to ask!...and just to set the mood - here is the original (and not the best copy) of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD in blcak and white - ENJOY:

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Jim here. Let's take a look at what is happening at the upcoming CES show in Las Vegas next month - obviously with 3D moving mainstream there is bound to be more and more available and it is shaping up to be a great show for stereoscopic 3D fans!

Watch this post as I will be updating it with breaking news on other 3D products being revealed at the show!

iZ3Dwww.iZ3D.comSee them at:Meeting Room #25118M located in the Gaming Showcase in South Hall 2 of the Las Vegas Convention Center.Details: iZ3D is currently booking CES press appointments to preview new protoypes such as a 3D flight simulator (3 screens), 26-inch monitor and console compatible 3D gaming monitor. They will also be attending Showstoppers. Please contact Carol Warren (CES Cell: 714-865-6735; Office: 714-891-3660) if you would like to see a demonstration of these exciting new products!

iZ3D has some exciting news: The world’s first 3D monitor for gamers is now available in retail stores making this solution the hottest available! iZ3D Inc. is pleased to announce that it’s popular 22-inch 3D monitor display system has leapt off the screens of online e-tailers into the real world of brick and mortar retail stores. iZ3D’s gaming display products are now being offered nationwide in Fry’s Electronics Incorporated® and Micro Center® stores, specialty retail superstores renowned for merchandising innovative consumer electronics products and technology breakthroughs. In addition to the physical store locations, both retail chains are offering the iZ3D monitor through online store destinations, joining Staples Online, NewEgg, Amazon, Critical Buy, and other e-tailers.

“The move to retail is another milestone in our pursuit of bringing 3D to the home market,” stated Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D Inc. “Seeing games displayed with our 3D monitor startles the imagination and shatters memories of bad 3D from 1950’s theatrical effects and headache prone shutter glasses,” he adds.

In the past year, iZ3D has had growing success selling its monitor exclusively online. Since consumers lack experience with this new technology, seeing it proves a critical part of the purchasing decision. iZ3D faces the same challenges as the television industry as it educated consumers to shift from black and white to color, or standard to high definition. “You have to see it to understand it the first time, and selling our 3D monitor though retail represents an inflection point for the emerging 3D industry,” said Striegler.

Store locations in California, Arizona, and Nevada began offering the product in mid-December. The monitor solution will be available at all store locations by January 9, 2009, after which iZ3D will begin sponsoring in-store try-and-buy demo days. Consumers can easily find a listing of store locations and get information on iZ3D’s products and special offers at www.3drulez.com. In recent month’s iZ3D has made headlines as it introduced the first 3D monitors with custom painted designs from Smooth Creations®, released its new industry-standard-setting 3D display driver, announced channel distribution partnerships with Ingram Micro and D&H Distributing Company, made 3D monitors significantly more affordable.

The iZ3D 22-inch monitor has a new manufacturers suggested resale price of $399.00.

In addition to the design and marketing of 3D LCD displays, the company enables 3D content creation, and promotes the accelerated proliferation of 3D for entertainment and professional applications. To present an uncompromised 3D experience, the company’s development approach to 3D stereoscopic viewing includes optimizing solutions for gaming, home entertainment, and professional applications. Each solution is compatible with multiple graphics cards and includes high-performance LCD displays, lightweight passive polarized glasses, and blazingly fast software. The company is also developing next generation solutions and enabling content for home entertainment and professional applications needing 3D displays to view visually rich movies, photos, and three-dimensional graphics with amazing depth, brightness, and resolution. iZ3D was formed as a joint venture of Taiwan-based Chi Mei Optoelectronics, a worldwide leader in TFT-LCD manufacturing and Neurok Optics LLC, a US-based 3D technology developer and marketing company. The company distributes its products directly at the iZ3D online store and through major online and retail outlets. Please visit www.iz3d.com or call 858.646.3015 for more information.

Further, iZ3D drivers now feature ATI 3D DLP output – free for ATI Radeon™ graphics card users! Their recently released 3D monitor driver Version 1.09 is the first to include support for AMD with an ATI 3D DLP output. This special feature, integrated exclusively for AMD (NYSE: AMD) customers – provides a customized 3D DLP output and is free for ATI Radeon™ graphics card users. The Version 1.09 driver is the latest stereoscopic 3D driver from iZ3D since the company first began releasing display drivers in 2006. The company ships 3D gaming monitors, which include a stereoscopic driver output for the iZ3D monitor and a standard anaglyph driver output. Other specialized 3D driver outputs are available at www.iz3d.com for USD$49.99 per license (each output).

To encourage 3D game play using ATI Radeon graphics cards, iZ3D is offering all ATI Radeon graphics card users a $50.00 rebate on the purchase of an iZ3D monitor. After installing the iZ3D monitor and driver, ATI Radeon graphics card users have 30 days to complete a simple form online and submit it to iZ3D to get the rebate. The rebate promotion is being promoted online and will be included in ATI Radeon graphics card packages and in-store at select retailers. For more information visit www.3drulez.com or www.iz3d.com.

“We appreciate the visual experience and excitement that is driving the trend towards 3D graphics,” said Godfrey Cheng, director of technical marketing, graphics products group, AMD. “3D gamers, designers and home theater enthusiasts will appreciate the sophistication that the ATI Radeon series of graphics cards will bring to the world of 3D. Our cards enable a feature-rich, 3D gaming and home theatre experience, especially when used in conjunction with an iZ3D 22-inch widescreen 3D display solution.”

“We’re on a mission to bring 3D into the mainstream. Combining the blazing fast speeds and breathtaking graphics from a high-end ATI Radeon graphics card with savings on your own personal iZ3D 22-inch widescreen monitor and get a gateway to the world of 3D. AMD’s selection of iZ3D’s stereoscopic 3D display solution demonstrates their vision and understanding that the future of graphics is a fusion of great hardware and software. iZ3D is a true pioneer in developing great 3D imaging drivers and hardware for the gaming community," remarked Thomas Striegler, CEO of iZ3D Inc.

Alioscopy:www.alioscopy.comSee them at:Booth #12125, Las Vegas Convention Center, Central Hall (This is the TTE (owned by TCL) booth)Press: To schedule a press briefing with Alioscopy during CES, please contact Vicky Gray-Clark, Ambient Public Relations, (408) 243-8880, vicky@ambientpr.com, or Laurie Guarino, (408) 876-7064, lguarinopr@yahoo.comDetails: TCL has joined forces with Alioscopy to present their 40-inch 3DHD autostereoscopic LCD is a no glasses required 3D solution. In development over the past fourteen years, Alioscopy’s 3D display product features a highly specialized lenticular lens that results in a truly immersive and memorable experience for the viewer.

The 3D market is exploding with major film studios currently investing heavily in 3D stereoscopic film projects. For companies seeking creative ways to promote digital signage entertainment content, reinforce messaging and grab people’s attention, Alioscopy monitors installed in theater lobbies, retail environments and other high traffic areas, will enable the public to sneak-preview traditional stereoscopic 3D (glasses-required) films, live concerts, and more, without glasses; creating a financial boon to content developers, advertisers and film studios.

Alioscopy monitors are available in both 24-inch and 40-inch models; offering multi-view solutions, for multiple ergonomic uses, and the flat-screen technology can be easily installed almost anywhere.

Fox Sports:msn.foxsports.com(Working with partners Sony, 3ality, RealD and Cinedigm)See them at: The Paris Hotel - Theatre des ArtsDetails: BCS Championship Game to be Broadcast at CES in 3DSony Electronics is teaming with FOX Sports and an all-star roster of technology providers to deliver the first live 3D presentation of next month's college football FedEx Bowl Championship Series (BCS) National Championship Game between the University of Florida and University of Oklahoma.

The Jan. 8 game will be shot using 3ality Digital's image-capture technology and transmitted live via Cinedigm's CineLive(TM) satellite distribution network from Dolphin Stadium in Miami to an event sponsored by Sony in the Paris Hotel and Casino's RealD-equipped Theatre des Arts in Las Vegas, where more than 1,200 invited guests will view the game live in 3D during the annual Consumer Electronics Show.

Sony is providing its SXRD(R) 4K projection technology at the Paris Hotel and Casino for this special 3D presentation, which will be broadcast in conventional HD by FOX Sports. RealD is a co-sponsor of this theater presentation with Sony. RealD's 3D system in the Theatre des Arts -- including eyewear, screen and filtering technology -- was specifically built and customized for the SXRD 4K projection system.

"The live broadcast to the Paris Hotel and to movie theaters across the nation is the latest example of how we can deliver our programming to audiences in new and exciting ways," said Jerry Steinberg, senior vice president of field operations and engineering for FOX Sports. "3D technology holds unlimited potential for the future of both sports broadcasting and live event production."

"Sports broadcasts are ideal for 3D presentation, especially in a theater, where fans can gather and participate in the atmosphere of the event with the feeling of truly being there," said Sandy Climan, CEO of 3ality Digital. "This game may end up being a landmark in college sports history."

According to Michael Lewis, chairman and CEO of RealD, "This event brings together all the necessary elements to create a truly immersive 3D broadcast. The success of recent box-office hits in 3D and the strong schedule of future releases highlight the fact that this is an experience that movie-goers crave. We look forward to continuing this evolution of the entertainment

experience by delivering more live sports and other events to our theater partners."

The device itself is made to be cute, but functionally it's two eyes are approximately the same distance apart as our human eyes, allowing the capture of 3D images. The 3D webcam sells for about $80 to $100.

Meet Minoru, meaning “Reality” in Japanese, the worlds’ first 3D webcam. Connect Minoru to your PC and he will come alive, his eyes will light up and he will be looking at you in 3D.

Your friends and family can now see you in 3D over your favourite messaging program like MSN, Skype etc. You can also take 3D photos or even shoot 3D videos and upload to YouTube.

The downside to this tech is that it relies on anaglyph 3D so you will have to wear those ugly blue and red 3D glasses - although you do get five pairs in the box with this puppy. Man I wish this was modern 3D - I am getting so tired of this old school stuff. The point is though that it is easy to use, share and impress your friends.

The product simply rests on the top of your monitor and captures images with both eyes.

The Minoru was developed for the i-stage competition at the Consumer Electronics Association. Production is expected to ramp up in December and take the now prototype models into reality. You can also use it for 2D.

Here is there contact information if you are curious before the show:

Phone: +44 161 925 7530

Email: info@minoru3d.com

TDVision:

www.TDVision.comSee them at: Booth: South 1 21425Details: TDVirtualCam Algorithm in fact emulates the way the human eyes see and the brain perceives data. What does this mean? Playing video games with TDVision's patented technology embedded allows the gamer to play for hours with no side effects, full compatibility and maximum frag!

They also have the world's only 1080p per-eye and fully compatible Blu-ray solution. This stereoscopic Blu-ray disc will work in legacy 2D televisions in player at 1080p as well as in updated players in full 3D on 3D enabled DLP, LCD, and autostereoscopic displays.

You have to see their TDVisor in action too! The completely new TDVisor provides an intra ocular adjustment to allow for a personalized fit. Improvements is the optical design offering an equivalent size of 72” diagonal screen placed at 10 feet. Other improvements in mechanical and ocular ergonomics provide the user with a more comfortable and realistic high definition experience. Two models are currently offered. A less expensive mid resolution design (800x600) and a high-end version (1024x768, 1280x720p). Both are lightweight and provide portability, making it perfect for mobile imaging applications. Stop by for a demo!

Friday, December 19, 2008

IESB claims that James Cameron is interested in directing a remake of FORBIDDEN PLANET! Now we all know that if this is true (could be just a rumor as he has already publicly said he wants to do THE DIVE next) he has also said that he will only work in 3D for now on.

Personally, I think he might produce this project - he has a ton on his plate already with BATTLE ANGEL and THE DIVE. What do you think?

Hi - Michael here with some good news--it looks like we will be watching the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in 3D!

"There is a very good chance you'll see the London Olympics in 3D", said Brian Lenz, head of product design and innovation at Sky during a showing of 3D footage at their head office in West London.

He later confirmed that Sky will be "filming events in 3D."

I recently saw some 3D footage of the Beijing Olympics on that eye-popping 103 inch 3D Panasonic Plasma--I felt like I was there amongst the opening ceremony performers in the middle of the Bird's Nest. Seeing the 3D of the Olympic events themselves was a very visceral experience. You really get an amazing sense of the power and agility of these athletes when you watch them in 3D.

It should be perfect timing too, as I expect 3DTVs to be high quality and affordable by the time Summer 2012 arrives.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Jim here - check out this new trailer from Lionsgate for MY BLOODY VALENTINE 3D via UGO - this thing looks perfectly aimed at it's target audience! Reviews have been coming in fast and furious for the few that have seen the advanced screenings and a general consensus is that the movie is great and that the 3D really adds a tremendous amount to the final result.

In other words - if you are a horror fan - this is a must see. Here is the trailer:

Oh and if you are a gore fan - here is an advance look at an "eyes pick" in action... No blood, but still queasy.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Disney had just given us their 2009 schedule of releases and I have snagged the 3D ones of course! There is an amazing FIVE 3D movies from Disney in 2009. Let's take a look:

1. February 27th - JONAS BROTHERS: THE 3D CONCERT EXPERIENCE"...a high-energy Walt Disney Pictures rockumentary feature film event from director Bruce Hendricks (“Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert”). The film blends excerpts from the Brothers’ red-hot “Burning Up” concert tour, including guest performances from Demi Lovato and Taylor Swift, with exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, off-the-wall segments, a never-before-heard song ("Love Is On Its Way"), swarming fans and a lot of JB-style humor—giving fans never-before-seen insights into the lives of KEVIN, JOE and NICK."

CAST: Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Demi Lovato, Taylor SwiftDIRECTOR: Bruce HendricksPRODUCERS: Art Repola, Johnny Wright, Philip McIntyre, Kevin Jonas Sr., Alan SacksGENRE: RockumentaryRATING: GRELEASE DATE: February 27, 2009NOTES:• The “Burning Up” tour was one hot ticket: the Brothers sold out three Madison Square Garden shows in record time. On November 18, 2008, the Brothers released a photo diarybook: “Burning Up: On Tour with the Jonas Brothers.”• Jonas Brothers’ “A Little Bit Longer” album debuted in August 2008 at # 1 on the Billboard Top 200 as the 3rd highest debut of 2008. It has since gone platinum. Their nextsingle is “Tonight,” which hits the radio in January 2009.• Disney’s “Camp Rock” debuted on Disney Channel in June 2008 as the network’s #2 original movie of all time with 8.9 million viewers.WEBSITE:Disney.com/JONAS3D.com

2. May 29th - UPFrom Disney•Pixar comes “Up,” a comedy adventure about 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 9-year-old Wilderness Explorer named Russell. From the Academy Award®-nominated director Pete Docter (“Monsters, Inc.”), Disney•Pixar’s “Up” invites you on a hilarious journey into a lost world, with the least likely duo on Earth. “Up” will be presented in Disney Digital 3-D™ in select theaters.

VOICE TALENT: Ed Asner, Christopher Plummer, John Ratzenberger, Delroy Lindo, Jordan NagaiDIRECTOR: Pete DocterCO-DIRECTOR: Bob PetersonPRODUCER: Jonas RiveraCOMPOSER: Michael GiacchinoGENRE: Animation/AdventureRATING: TBDRELEASE DATE: May 29, 2009NOTES:• John Ratzenberger is tapped yet again to lend his voice, this time as Construction Foreman Tom.Ratzenberger is the only actor to voice a role in all of the Disney•Pixar films.• Award-winning composer Michael Giacchino has received numerous accolades for his work on previous Disney•Pixar films “Ratatouille” (GRAMMY® Award winner, Best Score Album Soundtrack; Annie Award winner, Best Music in an Animated Feature Production; Oscar® nomination, Best Original Score) and “The Incredibles” (Annie Award winner, Best Music in an Animated Feature Production; GRAMMY nomination, Best Score Album Soundtrack).WEBSITE:Disney.com/UP

3. July 24th - G-FORCEProducer Jerry Bruckheimer brings his first 3-D film to the big screen with G-FORCE, a comedy adventure about the latest evolution of a covert government program to train animals to work in espionage. Armed with the latest high-tech spy equipment, these highly trained guinea pigs discover that the fate of the world is in their paws. Tapped for the G-FORCE are guinea pigs Darwin (voice of SAM ROCKWELL), the squad leader determined to succeed at all costs; Blaster (voice of TRACY MORGAN), an outrageous weapons expert with tons of attitude and a love for all things extreme; and Juarez (voice of PENELOPE CRUZ), a sexy martial arts pro; plus the literal fly-on-the-wall reconnaissance expert, Mooch, and a starnosed mole, Speckles (voice of NICOLAS CAGE), the computer and information specialist. Directed by two-time Oscar®-winning visual effects master Hoyt Yeatman—G-FORCE takes audiences on a high-octane thrill ride, proving once and for all that size really doesn't matter.

4. October 2nd - TOY STORYThey’re toys, they talk—at least when people aren’t around—and they’re back…celebrating the return of the “Toy Story” franchise—in Disney Digital 3-D™ this time! TOY STORY, the film that started it all, takes moviegoers back to that fantastic fun-filled journey, viewed mostly through the eyes of two rival toys—Woody (voice of TOM HANKS), the lanky, likable cowboy, and Buzz Lightyear (voice of TIM ALLEN), the fearless space ranger. The comically-mismatched duo eventually learn to put aside their differences when circumstances separate them from their owner Andy and they find themselves on a hilarious adventurefilled mission where the only way they can survive is to form an uneasy alliance. Disney•Pixar’s TOY STORY kicks off a Disney Digital 3-D™ Toy Story celebration, which includes “Toy Story 2,” opening Feb. 12, 2010, and culminates in a brand new adventure starring Buzz and Woody: “Toy Story 3”—in theaters June 18, 2010.

CAST: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger,Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten, Laurie Metcalf, R. Lee ErmeyDIRECTOR: John LasseterPRODUCERS: Ralph Guggenheim, Bonnie ArnoldEXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Ed Catmull, Steve JobsORIGINAL STORY BY: John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton and Joe RanftSCREENPLAY BY: Joss Whedon, Andrew Stanton, Joel Cohen and Alan SokolowGENRE: Animation-Comedy/AdventureRATING: GRELEASE DATE: October 2, 2009NOTES:• TOY STORY, originally released on November 22, 1995, was the first fully computer animated feature film and the highest grossing movie of the year with nearly $192 million domestically and $362 million worldwide.• The four people behind the original story of TOY STORY—John Lasseter, Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton and the late Joe Ranft—are the key creatives (writers and/or directors) responsible for most of Disney•Pixar’s subsequent releases: "A Bug's Life," "Toy Story 2," "Monsters, Inc." "Finding Nemo," “Cars," "WALL•E" and the 2009 release "Up."• TOY STORY was nominated for three Academy Awards® and two Golden Globes.®• Director John Lasseter was awarded a Special Achievement Award (Oscar®) by the Academy Awards® for his “inspired leadership of the Pixar TOY STORY team, resulting in the first feature-length computer-animated film."• John Lasseter made his feature film directing debut with TOY STORY in 1995. He has since directed such Pixar classics as “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2” and “Cars” and served as executive producer of all other Pixar films to date. He is currently the chief creative officer of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios and principal creative advisor of Walt Disney Imagineering.

5. November 6th - DISNEY'S A CHRISTMAS CAROLDISNEY’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, a multi-sensory thrill ride re-envisioned by Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis, captures the fantastical essence of the classic Dickens tale in a groundbreaking 3-D motion picture event. Ebenezer Scrooge (JIM CARREY) begins the Christmas holiday with his usual miserly contempt, barking at his faithful clerk (GARY OLDMAN) and his cheery nephew (COLIN FIRTH).But when the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come take him on an eye-opening journey revealing truths Old Scrooge is reluctant to face, he must open his heart to undo years of ill will before it’s too late.

What an AWESOME lineup of 3D from Disney to meet what will surely be the year of 3D: 2009! I have got to say I am looking forward to each and every one of these efforts and especially UP and A CHRISTMAS CAROL.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Guys - Jim here. Remember that awesome series of 3D applications I said was now available on the iPhone through Apple's App Store? You know, a 3D Camera App, 3D Viewer and a 3D image loader for Flickr? Well now these guys have gone the extra mile and added something many of you were asking about: How can I see these images without the glasses - where can I get the glasses?

You don't need the glasses anymore with this new add-on! Check this out - not only does this add-on function as a protective skin, but it adds 3D capability to images, video and games with NO GLASSES. Yes, you read that correctly. Click the image to zoom...

The protective sleeve doubles as a frame for the detachable sliding lens to position over the viewing area of your iPhone (and also you can use the 3D Viewer with the iPod Touch as well - without the camera of course). So you can switch from 2D to 3D viewing very easily. I am hoping there is a sleeve for the lens on the back of the frame so that you can store it when in 2D mode.

When used in cooperation with the combination of other 3D products they have, this adds up to a world leading, easy to use, portable suite of 3D applications for everyone to enjoy!

Some bonus info - with their 3Dee!oadr application, users will have access to over 500,000 3D images as they are working closely with Flickr's image services. You can also add your own 3D images to share with your friends too.

And the 3D images that you take with the native iPhone camera and 3D application will allow you to view them with or without 3D glasses (with the new lens system).

Further, you don't have to stop with your iPhone... Spatial View has announced at MacWorld that their 3DeeFlector product will do the same for the MacBook Air and other 13.3" notebooks! They also have a 19" gaming display in use at the show.

I have got to tell you, these products sound amazing. I have yet to see them in action but if they hold true to their premise, wow. Easy and Portable 3D photo suite of applications. Looks like a winner to me.What do you guys think? Kinda makes a heckuva lot of sense if you are a 3D fan and have an iPhone doesn't it?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Jim here. There have been some cool new developments lately from New Line - A new movie name and two movie photos released for FINAL DESTINATION: DEATH TRIP 3D. Further they have given us a brief synopsis of what the horror movie has in store for us:

Synopsis:On what should have been a fun-filled day at the races, Nick O'Bannon has a horrific premonition in which a bizarre sequence of events causes multiple race cars to crash, sending flaming debris into the stands, brutally killing his friends and causing the upper deck of the stands to collapse on him. When he comes out of this grisly nightmare Nick panics, persuading his girlfriend, Lori, and their friends, Janet and Hunt, to leave...escaping seconds before Nick's frightening vision becomes a terrible reality. Thinking they've cheated death, the group has a new lease on life, but unfortunately for Nick and Lori, it is only the beginning. As his premonitions continue and the crash survivors begin to die one-by-one--in increasingly gruesome ways--Nick must figure out how to cheat death once and for all before he, too, reaches his final destination. The film marks the latest in the highly popular "Final Destination" series, and its first 3D installment, giving horror fans an especially visceral thrill ride.

I think 3D is going to inject a lot of energy and excitement into the FD franchise - it will open the door to many different ways of showing an audience what they are paying to see. In this case, that would be fatal accidents. Or what looks like accidents. Should be a ton of fun...

Friday, December 12, 2008

Hi everyone, Michael here. With 2008 drawing to a close, I've put together a list of the 3D-related expos, shows, conferences, and conventions that will be coming up in 2009.I will be updating this list as more 3-D shows are announced. Some of these shows are strictly dedicated to 3-D, while others are more broad.

If you want to be on the cutting edge of stereoscopic 3-D entertainment, technology, business, and trends, clear your calendars for these events as 2009 will certainly be the Year of 3-D!

If you know of an upcoming 3-D event not on this list, please send me an email or comment below.